Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Frederick, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately three-month detection window for both alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory's system. This encompasses ensuring the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for illicit substances. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples showing presumptive positives during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is collected from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to perform.

Verification of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use history up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Resistant to manipulation: Hair drug tests are challenging to circumvent, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Shows usage patterns: Provides insight into drug usage over time rather than merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Frederick, CO

• Superior Detection Accuracy: Hair testing presents a significant advantage over urine tests by offering greater accuracy and a longer detection window. This method ensures that drug use over a more extended period is identified, making it highly reliable.
• Consistency and Reliability: Unlike urine tests, which can be influenced by various factors, hair testing remains steadfast in its results, providing confidence to employers and decision-makers.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Frederick, CO

• The appeal of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to trace drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This offers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, allowing employers in Frederick to make informed decisions about candidates or current employees.
• Employers seeking a thorough view of an applicant's history find the extended window invaluable.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Frederick, CO

• Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, which greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are both reliable and indisputable, giving employers confidence in the test outcomes.
• This robust method supports the integrity of workplace drug testing programs.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Frederick, CO

• With a wide network of testing centers throughout the country, including accessible options in Frederick, CO, getting tested is straightforward and convenient. The availability of nearby locations ensures that testing can be done efficiently without hassle.
• Whether local or nationwide, the integration of testing centers supports expedited and stress-free services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Frederick, CO

• The process for ordering and conducting hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and private, addressing concerns related to confidentiality and user-friendliness. This ensures that individuals can participate in testing without fear of privacy breaches or complicated procedures.
• Ease of use is paired with the assurance of discreet handling and result delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Frederick, CO

• Competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing an economically viable option for organizations of varying sizes. Alongside affordability, the swift turnaround in result delivery enhances the overall value, providing both financial and operational benefits.
• Companies stand to gain value through efficient service that meets budgetary and time constraints.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Frederick, CO, the rapid and dependable outcomes of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. The swift processing ensures that results are both timely and precise, which is crucial for employers. Their exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use has made hair follicle testing a preferred choice. By providing fast results, these tests enable swift decision-making and ensure that time-sensitive needs are met effectively, leaving no room for uncertainty.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Frederick, CO

• Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with creating a drug-free work environment, ensuring adherence to company policies and reducing potential legal liabilities. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that they are compliant with regulations while maintaining workplace safety.
• This support in policy enforcement enhances organizational confidence and employee trust.

Drug Testing Near Frederick, CO

Lafayette, CO

Platteville, CO

Brighton, CO

Longmont, CO

Aristocrat Ranchettes, CO

Leyner, CO

Todd Creek, CO

Mead, CO

Erie, CO

Wattenberg, CO

Fort Lupton, CO

Vollmar, CO

Dacono, CO

Firestone, CO